|
..::Deconstructing the Elements gallery::..
Focal Press, co-published with Autodesk
DTE 2nd Edition 15% off at Elsevier... offer code: AUTHOR_FP
Second Edition reviews
3D World Magazine #82: 9/10 - "This title really is at the forefront of 3ds Max effects manuals... an absolute must-have for Max artists. "
Amazon.com - "I first heard of Pete Draper's book from a fellow classmate who currently owns a first edition copy. Just thumbing through the tutorials my jaw dropped.
Deconstructing the Elements has fast become the keystone to many students personal 3ds Max libraries. (We have even been recommending it to our teachers) The tutorials are laid out fantastically and teach you as much about the concepts as well as `how to.'
Deconstructing the Elements is the best resource for anyone who wants to learn elemental effects and particle systems within 3ds Max. I can't wait for this book..." |
First Edition reviews
3D World Magazine #58: 9/10 - "... an impressive volume of special effects tutorials ... it aims to expand readers' max knowledge by adding those really exciting set pieces which you thought were only possible with expensive plug-ins"
Rendernode.com - " This book is just amazing! Produced by an old (old?! OLD?! sheesh...! - Pete) CG pioneer, Peter Draper, this book contains very complicated tutorials that he explains in a very easy way for readers to understand ... I don't think there's an excuse for not buying this book. It's a gold mine that will enrich your skills for a very low cost."
Amazon.com - " This book delves deeply into the mechanics of creating great vfx inside Max all without using plugins. This should be part of the manuals that come with the product. Well written, well researched and, in the end, GREAT effects. Draper writes with flair and is easily understood. It's clear to me that he really did his work on this one. As well, the quality of book itself is right up there... In a day and age when disposable is the middle name ... this one book fits in the keeper category. (it sits beside my computer...)" |
The following PDF is taken directly from the first edition of the book to give you an idea of the book's content and structure for each tutorial, plus what is included for each tutorial on the DVD-ROM... so it is a bit of a heavy download.
Introduction section, full page Analysis of the Effect (with reference material - tons more on the DVD-ROM) Walkthough - broken into sections and steps with each step having its own screenshot (full-size versions on the DVD-ROM) and information breakdown, and finishing with the Taking it Further section where we discuss how to adapt the scene further (Taking it Further sample 3ds max files also included where relevant)
 |
Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds max - Sample Tutorial - Grasses (39Mb zip file including reference material & full PDF) (note: chapter taken from first edition, therefore tutorial numbering is different from the samples listed below) |
 |
My first ever book signing!!! - Animex'05 - 3rd Feb 2005 |
The following are image results and animations (each effect is fully animated as applicable) of the 30 tutorials which are included in the book (2nd edition); each tutorial is (on average) 16 pages.
There are an additional six Video tutorials which are on the DVD-ROM totalling almost nine hours of extra training, plus all the reference =aterial and sample scenes to accompany! Unlike most video tutorial packages, these are unscripted so there is "umm" and and "err" here and there as I'm recalling settings and breaking down the material :)
The DTE Support site is online www.deconstructingsupport.com so if you get stuck with any of the tutorials you can simply post a message there and I'll do my best to help out... |
